How To Fix CO782 - Serial numbers can be managed only if base unit of measure is discrete

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: CO - PPC order processing messages

• Message number: 782

• Message text: Serial numbers can be managed only if base unit of measure is discrete

What causes this issue?

Serial number management for a material is only permitted if the unit
of measure of the material has no dimension.

System Response

The system issues an error message and will not allow you to continue with this transaction until the error is resolved.

How to fix this error?

You should check the unit of measure intended for production and if
necessary select a unit of measure without a dimension.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message CO782 - Serial numbers can be managed only if base unit of measure is discrete ?

  The SAP error message CO782 indicates that there is an issue with the management of serial numbers in relation to the base unit of measure (UoM) of a material. Specifically, this error occurs when you attempt to manage serial numbers for a material that is not set up with a discrete base unit of measure.
  Cause:
  The error arises because serial number management in SAP is only applicable to materials that have a discrete base unit of measure. Discrete units of measure are those that can be counted as whole units (e.g., pieces, items), as opposed to continuous units of measure (e.g., liters, kilograms) which cannot be counted in whole numbers.
  Solution:
  To resolve the CO782 error, you need to ensure that the material in question is set up with a discrete base unit of measure. Here are the steps to do this:
  
  
  Check Material Master Data:
  
  Go to the Material Master (transaction code MM02).
  Enter the material number and select the appropriate views (e.g., Basic Data, Purchasing, or Sales).
  Check the Base Unit of Measure field. It should be set to a discrete unit (e.g., EA for each, PC for piece).
  
  
  
  Change Base Unit of Measure:
  
  If the base unit of measure is not discrete, you will need to change it. Note that changing the base unit of measure can have implications on existing stock and transactions, so it should be done with caution.
  If necessary, create a new material with the correct base unit of measure and transfer stock accordingly.
  
  
  
  Check Serial Number Profile:
  
  Ensure that the serial number profile assigned to the material allows for serial number management. This can be checked in the material master under the "Sales: General/Plant" or "Plant Data/Storage" views.
  
  
  
  Review Configuration Settings:
  
  If you are responsible for system configuration, check the settings in the configuration for serial number management (transaction code SPRO). Ensure that the settings align with your business requirements.
  
  
  
  Test the Changes:
  
  After making the necessary changes, test the process that was causing the error to ensure that the issue is resolved.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Documentation: Refer to SAP Help documentation for detailed information on serial number management and unit of measure settings.
  Transaction Codes:
  
  MM02: Change Material Master
  MM03: Display Material Master
  SPRO: Customizing Implementation Guide
  
  
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that may address specific issues or provide additional guidance related to this error.
  
  By ensuring that the material is set up with a discrete base unit of measure, you should be able to manage serial numbers without encountering the CO782 error.